Ascot Primary head says pupils now aspire to scammers and influencers over traditional careers

Mark Jackson, principal of Ascot Primary School, has raised concerns about what he describes as a steep fall in pupil values, noting that more children are now candid about wanting to work as social media personalities or take part in online fraud instead of building toward established careers.

Jackson said the pattern signals a broader slide in discipline, respect for authority and long-range ambition among some students in the upper primary grades.

Speaking after the school refused certain pupils the chance to wear gowns at graduation over performance concerns, he linked the issue to an attraction toward digital lifestyles centred on quick earnings, viral recognition and online attention rather than schooling and structured career planning.

"Students are speaking about becoming bloggers, scammers and TikTokers," he told THE STAR.

He cautioned that without stronger support from both homes and schools, children could adopt lifestyles and idolise figures that work against their long-term growth.

Jackson has faced scrutiny from other education stakeholders since the graduation event. Still, he defended withholding gowns and caps from graduates who failed to meet set targets.

"We had to highlight those who do well in a very special way by allowing them to wear the gown," he said.

The move has triggered sharp public reaction, including a reprimand from the Ministry of Education. Jackson said he remains firm on the decision.

"It was never our intention to dehumanise any child but to celebrate winnings. It was never to embarrass anyone publicly. Education must reflect quality and the school has a mandate. The students must know that to be a part of a transitioning exercise then my performance must be good," he insisted.